SPRINGFIELD --- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced today that applications will now be accepted, through March 30, for this summer’s 2007 Governor’s Environmental Corps (GEC) internship program. The application can be downloaded from the Internet at www.epa.state.il.us/gec.

“Since 1991, the GEC program has provided a true hands-on learning experience for more than 550 college undergraduate or graduate students,” said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. “Students in such fields as engineering, geology, chemistry, biology, communications and law have gone on to careers in the environmental field and their contributions also energize our own staff mentors each summer.”

The program is a unique partnership between state government and Illinois corporations. The businesses’ contributions pay the salaries and expenses of the students who participate in the nine-week program. This year’s internship will run from June 4 through August 3, with up to 30 participants expected. Salaries have been set at $1400 per month. Students enrolled in a college or university, who have completed their sophomore year prior the beginning of the program, are eligible to apply.

The majority of selected students will be matched with staff mentors in Springfield, where Illinois EPA’s headquarters is located. Limited positions will be available in Illinois EPA’s regional offices in Des Plaines, Rockford, Peoria, Champaign, Collinsville and Marion.

Students are assigned agency mentors in their area of environmental interest and are able to make meaningful contributions to the regulatory, compliance and outreach assistance at Illinois EPA. In addition to their work experience in a professional office setting and field operations, GEC interns also participate in regular field trips and workshops to gain first hand knowledge of current environmental challenges and solutions.

Springfield-based interns who enjoy working with children can also serve as volunteer instructors in the Junior Governor’s Environmental Corps, an environmental awareness and education program that reaches hundreds of six-to-12-year olds in central Illinois each summer at camps and other venues.

Applications can be downloaded from the Illinois EPA’s web site at www.epa.state.il.us/gec; or you may contact Kurt Neibergall at 217/785-3819.